Peer Response (X2), Week Ten

• Peer Response #1: Jenna's Free Entry

Oh Jenna, you make my heart happy. Seriously.
Although I know nothing about Dr. Manhattan or Flat Stanley... I think this idea of AWESOME!

First of all, I definitely do NOT think it is "too much" for you to venture out and try this type of writing. Honestly, I don't think, we as (serious) writers, should ever question if something is too much for our skill level. I've found that the joy and advantage to being so serious about writing poetry is, in fact, taking wild, exploratory leaps, including 'persona writing'...
As far as tackling this type of writing, I'm not sure I have much advice to provide you with. However, I do suggest you first try and tackle it by using some type of calisthenic exercise/method, just to get your mind pumping out and generating ideas. Then, (I guess) the next step would consist of decided the course you want to take... how you are going to deal strictly with this character; working on adapting/adopting that persona, that mindset. Yes, in many ways it will be a challenge... but not only will the exercise help strengthen your writing capabilites, it will provide you with TONS of material to play around with and shape. :) best of luck, my dear! I want to see what you come up with!

• Peer Response #2: Sheila's Free Entry, Week Nine

Sheila,

First of all, I just want to preface this by saying: You have come such a long way, already, in your writing. I can most certainly tell that you are putting forth a lot of hard work and time into your writing... Trust me, it will pay off if you keep plowing through. So- Kudos to you!
Now, for this draft:

I think you are off to a nice start; you began with a calisthenic exercise, and then let that cluster of ideas further prompt you for a draft... always a great method for generating material.
On the one hand, you have several areas of potentially strong language and imagery- especially when you are showing images of an area so culturally, so sensually, rich. On the other hand, you briefly touch on the majority of these hyper-aromatic elements... even the people in the scene are given little mention.
I would strongly suggest that you now take this draft and expand, expand, expand! You have so much more to incorporate! More than anything, really work on fleshing out these ideas and elements and scenes; be creative; take chances; get messy! :)